I had a chance to play a beta version of One Must Fall: Battlegrounds by Diversions Entertainment, and I must say that it is shaping up to be quite a game. It is basically an action/fighting game with a third-person behind-the-player view.

You fight using giant robots using melee style actions and missile attacks as well as throws. When you successfully land some hits, you add to the special energy bar. Certain special abilities unique to each of the eight bots (controlled by one of 50 pilots) harness those energy reserves and can be the start of multiple hit combos. You can also make use of the different hazards and items in the arenas to cause damage to your opponents. For instance, after a 10 or 20 hit combo, you might send one opponent flying towards the electric fence, counting as another hit. If you can hit the bot before it lands, you can continue your combo attack. Even better, hit the opponent with a super-charged special attack, and you can watch it explode!

Be careful though! Since this is a 3D game, and up to 16 different players can be in the game at once, you can not only be attacked from all angles, but combos can be stolen from you! If you work up a 10 hit combo, someone else can get a hit in and get an 11-hit combo credited to them. On the other hand, someone could hit you and prevent your from getting your own 11th hit in, and you might find yourself on the receiving end of a combo attack yourself. The game does provide a way for you to evade, which is very helpful if you find an enemy has gotten behind you. If you find yourself flying in the air because of a multiple hit combo, evading to the side can quickly get your feet on the ground and allow you to counter. If you successfully block an attack, you automatically counter it with your own attack.

What I like about this game is how in control you feel. While a lot of games are button mashers, OMF allows me to literally give someone the old one-two since I can control each arm and leg separately. The varied and interactive environments are enjoyable to fight in, and the number of combo attacks available are amazing. The controls were easy to use, and the finished version should feature even more improved controls. Multiplayer battles easily found by Gamespy Arcade can feature bots with varying AI, allowing for quick battles even when no one is around. There are 12 different arenas available, and you can record your fights, so you can show off just how awesome you are. Also, the game should lend itself to the modding scene well. In fact, one mod is a One Must Fall movie project that is in the works. The game will come with an editor giving modders a large amount of control.

All in all, OMF:Battlegrounds is shaping up to be a game that fighting game fans should look out for when it comes to the PC and X-Box.

Preview by Gianfranco Berardi